Maccarone fires Empoli to win at Bologna

Massimo Maccarone's brace inspired Empoli to a 3-2 win at Bologna – ensuring four-succesive Serie A victories for the first time in the club's history.

Empoli travelled to the Renato Dall'Ara having not so much as conceded a goal in their previous three matches, but faced a tough test against Roberto Donadoni's resurgent Bologna.

Manuel Pucciarelli opened the scoring for the away side in the 24th minute and hit the post soon after, only for Franco Brienza to draw the hosts level 12 minutes later with a powerful free-kick.

Maccarone opened his account just before half-time, volleying home Piotr Zielinski's clipped pass, before heading to the crowd to celebrate with a sip of a fan's beer.

Italy striker Mattia Destro equalised in the 45th minute with his fifth goal in six matches, but captain Maccarone was the hero as he converted a close-range header just after the break which ultimately secured all three points for the visitors.

Empoli are now sixth in Serie A, ahead of Sunday's matches, and only two points behind Roma.

Bologna, meanwhile, are 13th, although they could drop as low as 17th if results go against them this weekend.